#Safe qr code reader code#

#Safe qr code reader code#

If scanning a physical QR code, ensure the code has not been tampered with, such as with a sticker placed on top of the original code.Practice caution when entering login, personal, or financial information from a site navigated to from a QR code.

A malicious domain name may be similar to the intended URL but with typos or a misplaced letter. Once you scan a QR code, check the URL to make sure it is the intended site and looks authentic.Check to see if there's a sticker over the original QR code check before you click 'OK' on that URL that it's spelled right - there's no typos and there's no extra letters in there.' You know, check to see if it's been physically tampered with. To protect yourself, Cassandra Temple with the Norfolk FBI Field Office said, 'I just recommend taking that extra time before you click on a QR code. Access to this victim information gives the cybercriminal the ability to potentially steal funds through victim accounts,' the FBI said in a press release.Īvoiding these types of scams is easier said than done because criminals make the websites and QR codes look incredibly believable. A victim scans what they think to be a legitimate code but the tampered code directs victims to a malicious site, which prompts them to enter login and financial information. 'Cybercriminals tamper with both digital and physical QR codes to replace legitimate codes with malicious codes. The agency is also warning that if you scan a code that's been tampered with and are taken to a dangerous site, you may be asked to enter login and financial information.

While square barcodes can be convenient, they can also be dangerous.Īccording to the FBI, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this technology by directing QR code scans to malicious sites to steal victim data and embedding malware to gain access to the victim's device. Quick Response (QR) codes are everywhere these days because they're an easy, contactless way to read a menu or download an app.